WEST HAVEN, Conn. – The University of New Haven Department of Athletics and United Way of Greater New Haven have formed a partnership to bring positive female role models into the New Haven Public Schools. Over 60 women student-athletes from the University will visit several Boost! schools beginning this fall to participate in activities ranging from a read aloud program to panel discussions and mentoring on the commitment of academics and the strategies of managing school work, setting goals and reaching your academic and athletic dreams.

Boost! is a partnership between the United Way of Greater New Haven, New Haven Public Schools and the City of New Haven that provides non-academic support to students at 10 New Haven Public Schools.

“This is an example of how United Way’s volunteer efforts bring different elements of the community together to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Jack Healy, president and CEO of United Way of Greater New Haven.

“The partnership between the Department of Athletics, United Way and the Women’s Initiative is exactly what we strive for in Division II,” said University of New Haven Associate Vice President, Director of Athletics and Recreation Deborah Chin.

In conjunction with the United Way’s Women’s Initiative, the program places student-athletes from the women’s basketball, women’s cross country, women’s lacrosse, women’s soccer, softball, women’s tennis, women’s track and field and women’s volleyball teams into New Haven schools over a four-week period leading up to the Chargers’ Community Day football game on Saturday, Oct. 6. On Community Day, the Chargers will host the Boost! students, along with other area youth organizations for pre-game activities at DellaCamera Stadium. Following the game, the football team will also host an autograph and photo session with free poster giveaways. This event helps kick-off United way’s annual Days of Caring, a series of community-based volunteer opportunities to help non-profit and civic organizations in need.

The United Way Women’s Initiative provides a meaningful opportunity for women to share their vision, expertise and resources to improve the lives of children and families by addressing the most critical needs in Greater New Haven. The Women’s Initiative looks for diverse groups of talented women who want to see positive change, and lead the way in transforming the community. To become a member or find out more, visit www.uwgnh.org/womenunited.

This unique partnership is part of the UNH Department of Athletics broader community engagement efforts, which seeks to help the surrounding towns and community organizations while providing opportunities for student-athletes, coaches and fans to give back to their communities. For more information, visit www.NewHavenChargers.com. Have an idea? Contact UNH Associate Director of Athletics, Susan Zawacki at szawacki@newhaven.edu.